VITS Monthly - A Newsletter Covering Recent IT News by Vantage IT Solutions Limited

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Vista - the Interim Verdict

Vista Logo

A couple of months ago, we mentioned Microsoft's release of its new version of Windows, called Vista. Well, we've had a look and, generally, it’s an improvement over previous versions. It has some useful features, but one could argue some should have been in Windows all along. Security has been improved - although the PCs we supply at the moment are configured to be more secure than standard Windows XP, Vista is better still. Unfortunately, security vulnerabilities have already been found in Vista and the very nature of Vista being a new release for Microsoft has made it a target for hackers.

Generally, only the very latest PCs are going to be able to run Vista without upgrading, but we feel it’s best to follow our normal advice for software and avoid version 1 of any such release. Before too long there should be a service pack or other batch of fixes that should resolve most problems users find, so our recommendation is to wait until this comes out. There may be an over-riding case for implementing Vista and, in such an instance, we would test it thoroughly before using it in a production environment.

A New Ray of Light

If you’ve heard the name ‘Blu-ray’ but don’t know what it is, here is a brief explanation. It is the latest generation of optical drive and its developers hope it will become the standard replacement for CDs and DVDs. Blu-ray has a much greater capacity which enables the storage of large amounts of data or the recording and playback of high definition video. Some computers have already been manufactured with Blu-ray drives installed, so you will soon be seeing more of the name. Just in case you’re wondering, the name comes from the fact that the drives use a blue laser to read the discs. Toshiba is launching a rival to this, but as Blu-ray has the backing of many large manufacturers and film companies, it could well become the next de-facto standard.

Another Report, Another New Law

Under reforms being considered by the Government, there is the possibility that Trading Standards could be given the power to enter firms that are thought to be using unlicensed software. A report commissioned by the Treasury has pinpointed several areas where the law on intellectual property should be altered. This will please the software suppliers who constantly complain about piracy, but will also mean many companies will need to ensure all software they own is legitimate. Regular software audits and training staff in licensing rules may become necessary in many businesses. If you would like details on software auditing products, please contact us.

The Entertaining Bit

For anyone who has put Christmas decorations on their house, this is the benchmark (you will need your sound turned up for this). Apparently, the music was broadcast by the home owner on a radio frequency, so people could park outside and tune in their radios to obtain the full effect. Please click here to view the clip.